The halls are decked, the “snoap” is falling on Main Street, U.S.A., and the holiday season has officially arrived in Orlando! If you are staying with us at Global Vacation Rentals this winter, you are in for a treat. The theme parks are glowing with thousands of twinkling lights, but there is one special guest everyone is looking for: Santa Claus.
Whether you need that perfect photo for your holiday card or your little ones need to finalize their wish lists, Santa is making stops across all four Walt Disney World theme parks and Disney Springs this year.
To help you plan your park days from the comfort of your vacation home, we’ve compiled the complete guide on where to find St. Nick leading up to Christmas Eve 2025.
🎬 Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Vintage Charm and Holiday Shorts
If you love the nostalgia of old Hollywood, this is the Santa meet-and-greet for you. Located inside Walt Disney Presents, the area has been transformed into a tribute to “Santa’s Workshop,” inspired by the 1932 Silly Symphony short.
- Where: Walt Disney Presents
- When: Now through December 24th
- The Vibe: Guests step into a cozy toy shop filled with props from movies like The Santa Clause and Noelle.
- Bonus: Check out the “Holiday Shorts” playing in the theater, featuring Goofy and Pluto! If you are attending the ticketed Disney Jollywood Nights, keep your eyes peeled for Duffy the Disney Bear dressed as Santa, too.
🦖 Disney’s Animal Kingdom
A Prehistoric Holiday Celebration
For families looking for a fun, quirky twist on the traditional Santa photo, head to DinoLand U.S.A. The decor here is unique, featuring “paleontologist” style ornaments and dinosaur touches.
- Where: Restaurantosaurus (specifically the Parasaurolophus Porch)
- When: Now through December 24th
- The Vibe: Dino-sized charm! Look up at the ceiling to spot tiny dinosaurs with parachutes. It’s a humorous, relaxed setting perfect for fun family photos.
- Don’t Miss: The “Merry Menagerie” of artisan animal puppets on Discovery Island—a fan favorite!
🌐 EPCOT
International Festivities
EPCOT is getting ready to launch the International Festival of the Holidays (presented by AdventHealth), and Santa is the star of the show.
- Where: CommuniCore Hall
- When: November 28th through December 24th
- The Vibe: A glittering wintry setting accompanied by an incredible Spaceship Earth gingerbread display.
- Global Traditions: As you walk around the World Showcase, you can also meet international holiday storytellers, such as Père Noël in France and Barn Santa in Norway.
- Bonus: Want a photo with Santa Goofy? He will be striking poses over at The Odyssey!
🏰 Magic Kingdom Park
Classic Christmas Magic
There is nothing quite like Magic Kingdom during the holidays. From the towering tree to the garlands on Main Street, it is pure winter magic.
- Where: Storybook Circus
- When: Starting Thanksgiving Day
- The Vibe: Storybook Circus is decked out in jolly decor for the first time ever! This is a dedicated spot for families to have a personal moment with Santa.
- Parade Sightings: If you have tickets to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, you can also wave to Santa as he rides high on his sleigh during the parade.
- Pro Tip: While in Adventureland, check out the Jingle Cruise—the holiday overlay of the Jungle Cruise where the skippers tell festive (and wonderfully corny) jokes.
🛍️ Disney Springs
Shopping, Dining, and Santa
If you are taking a break from the parks to do some holiday shopping, you can still catch the big guy!
- Where: Near Disney’s Pin Traders
- When: Now through December 24th
- Important Operation Update: This location utilizes a Virtual Queue only. There is no standby line. You must use the My Disney Experience app to join the queue. Check the app frequently for entry opportunities throughout the day so you don’t miss out!
📸 Capturing the Moment
Don’t worry about fumbling with your phone while trying to wrangle the kids. Disney PhotoPass photographers are stationed at all these Santa locations. If you purchase Memory Maker, you get unlimited downloads of all your holiday photos, including festive “Magic Shots” that add special effects to your pictures.
Come Home for the Holidays
After a long day of park hopping and meeting Santa, there is no better feeling than returning to a spacious, private vacation home. Unwind in your own pool, cook a family dinner in a full kitchen, and enjoy the space you just can’t get in a hotel room.
Ready to book your holiday getaway? Browse our available Orlando vacation rentals at GlobalVacationRentals.com and make this holiday season one to remember!
